Piciformes / Picidae / Picus
Lesser Yellownape
Picus chlorolophus · 黄冠啄木鸟
Introduction
A woodpecker species widespread and often common in tropical and sub-tropical Asia, primarily the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It inhabits jungle environments and nests in tree cavities.
Description
Largish species at 27 cm in length with a typical woodpecker shape. Upperparts are green apart from a bright yellow tufted nape. Neck and breast are green; belly is whitish, finely barred with green. Rump and tail are blackish. Adult male has a green head, white throat, red markings above the eye and nape, and red moustachial stripes. Female has only a red patch above the ear coverts. Young birds resemble the female but are duller. The subspecies in peninsular India has a greyer head.
Distribution & Habitat
Ranges from India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka eastwards to Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Three subspecies are recognized: chloropus (Himalayan), chlorigaster (Peninsular), and wellsi (Sri Lanka).
Behavior & Ecology
Nests in tree cavities, laying two to four white eggs. Possesses a straight pointed bill, stiff tail for support against tree trunks, and zygodactyl feet. Uses a long tongue darted forward to capture insects.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Piciformes
- Family
- Picidae
- Genus
- Picus
Vocalizations
Subspecies (9)
-
Picus chlorolophus annamensis
southeastern Thailand to southern Vietnam
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.
